Karbi girls are not lagging, they are marching ahead side-by-side with men. They are bringing laurels for Karbi Anglong in several fields, including sports, academics and getting jobs in reputed companies. In this issue of Unheard Voices, we have brought the conversation with Josiah Ingti Katharpi, a Cabin Crew with the title of Leading Lady at Indigo Airlines. Her journey to success will serve as an inspiration to many other girls.
TDE: Tell us about your date of birth, place of birth, and parents.
Josiah: I was born to Deigrum Ingti Kathar and Kache Tissopi on 21st April 1997 and brought up in Koilamati Dhoniram Ingti village, on the eastern part of Karbi Anglong.
TDE: When did you begin your schooling? Tell us about your educational career/
Josiah: I studied my nursery to class 5 at Christ the King English school Koilamati. As my mom passed away in 2007, I had to transfer my school to Christian High School, Golaghat, and was kept in the school hostel along with my siblings as there was no one to look after us at home. I passed my matriculation from this school itself, after that I studied for my Higher Secondary at Diphu government college Diphu and graduated in English literature (Major) from HPB Girls College, Golaghat. After graduation, I gave an interview with Indigo Airlines and joined as a Cabin Crew in the year 2019.
TDE: As a teenager, what were your hobbies and aim for life?
Josiah: I have always been interested in sports and like to keep myself physically fit. I love playing all types of sports, and enjoy travelling a lot. My aim in life as a teenager was to be a part of the aviation industry and here I’m today. My inspiration is my siblings, as they always tell me to follow my dreams. My parents have also been very supportive, they encouraged me to work hard and be focussed on my target.
TDE: What preparations did you do to achieve your dream?
Josiah: I did some research before giving an interview for air hostess from different social media platforms, and the internet and that’s how accordingly I prepared to achieve my dream. In 2019, I went for an interview at Kolkata Indigo Airlines and was selected as an air hostess.
TDE: Tell us about your experience in work so far. Where are the places you have travelled and the positions you have held? Josiah: It’s been 4 years of being a part of the aviation industry and I’m loving it. From Miss Indigo to second in command and recently promoted as a leading lady I have travelled to all airports in India and some international destinations like Bangkok, Singapore, Vietnam, Dubai, and Doha.
TDE: How many hours do you work in a day? Do you often visit your parents?
Josiah: Our legal flying hrs in a day is 8hrs. Yes, I do visit my parents on my privilege leave.
TDE: What are the facilities that employees of Airline Companies receive that most others do not? Roughly, how much does an air hostess earn annually?
Josiah: The airline industry provides free transportation for duty, e.g. pick up and drop for duty and free hotel accommodation during a layover and free travel for family members.
TDE: At what age will you retire from your present job?
Josiah: As a cabin crew we don’t have an age limit until and unless we are fit to fly we can continue flying so there is no particular age for retirement.
TDE: What are your plans for post-retirement life?
Josiah: I haven’t planned for my retirement yet as I’m planning for a long-term career with the aviation industry however, I will figure it out when the time comes.
TDE: What will be your message to those youths from Karbi Anglong who aspire to become air hostesses?
Josiah: if anyone wants to become a cabin crew the first thing u have to do is practice your communication skills that is English and Hindi and if you are already fluent with it then be confident. Second, you have to complete your higher secondary so study hard and do good in your exam. The third thing I would say is, to focus on your BMI from now on is your weight and height. And of course, if I can do it then even you can. So be smart, be confident, and go for it, fulfill your dreams.
TDE: Can you share about the hardest times you have faced in life?
Josiah: The hardest time in my life I would say was in my initial days when I first joined Indigo, because first of all it was my first job and it was like a totally new world to me. Secondly, I had to stay very far away from my family, all alone in the new state, a new city among new people. So, I was confused and scared at the same time.